Steve
Barrett,
maker of traditional horn shepherds crooks is a well respected
and sought after stick dresser, show judge and wood carver,
who lives on the Dorset/Somerset border. Having won numerous
awards in national and local stick dressing competitions,
his sticks have been sold all over the world. There are
some sticks kept in stock with new sticks being added all
the time, but most are commissioned. The sticks shown on
this website are examples and represent the wide spectrum
of work that is produced. Some sticks are quite plain, with
their beauty lying in colours and grain in the wooden shanks
and the horn handles, and some are far more intricate. Working
from customers photographs and instructions to produce a
piece which is a unique one off. It can either be left as
plain wood to show off the grain and figure, or painted
in acrylics to give a life-like appearance. Any crook or
animal/bird, dog stick can be made to your own requirments.
But whichever stick you look at you cannot fail to admire
the patience, skill, craftsmanship and attention to detail
that goes into each individual piece. These are beautifully
made, functional, well balanced sticks which fit comfortably
in the hand. No preformed or cast heads are used. All are
individually handmade, so no two sticks are ever the same.
Please note that the colours of the shanks and the grain
of the wood and horn will vary to the ones shown on this
web site.
The Pyrography artwork
are all original pieces which are burnt and shaded with
a hot nib, some are then hand painted to give a hint of
colour. The grain, figure and any natural faults in the
wood are used to form part of the picture. These are sold
at galleries, exhibitions and by commission. The wood is
all sourced locally and from managed woodlands. Inspiration
comes from various sources including magazines, my own photography
and my love of the natural world.
Commissions,
Tuition, Demonstrations |
As
featured in....
Shooting
Times & Country Magazine Nov 2004.
The
Dorset County magazine June 2007.
